BREAKING NEWS: Billy Wagner Headed To The Red Sox

BREAKING NEWS: According to MLBTradeRumors.com, the Boston Red Sox have claimed the six-time All Star Billy Wagner off waivers from the New York Mets. The Mets have four days to trade Wagner or let the Red Sox acquire him.

This is a major pickup for the Red Sox, as the southpaw could be a viable bullpen option for Boston. Wagner should help the Red Sox a ton down the stretch, and hopefully help solidify a recently turbulent pitching staff for Boston.

Wagner's All-Star seasons were 1999, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2008.

Wagner's career WHIP is 1.01 and ERA is 2.40. He has a 39-37 career record and has 285 saves along with 1,066 strikeouts.

Wagner has never pitched in the American League. He has played for the Houston Astros, Philadelphia Phillies, and the Mets.

Nothing is official yet, but the Red Sox have designated Fernando Cabrera for assignment and called up Michael Bowden to fill Cabrera's spot on the roster until Wagner can join the Major League club full-time.

Although Wagner would be a great addition, the Red Sox have had trouble with former closers in the past. The Red Sox acquired former Los Angeles Dodgers closer Eric Gagne from the Texas Rangers for Kason Gabbard and David Murphy. Gagne was anemic with Boston, with a 6.75 ERA and a WHIP of 1.47.

Hopefully, Wagner won't become the next Eric Gagne.